Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-02-10

his castle, and that was why as soon az
the pigeon fie.y off the King galloped
off as well, for he wanted to see what
news the pigeon brought him. When
he reached home he saw the pigeon
waiting for him. and on opening the
note, he found that it was from one OF
his Generals, telling him where the
enemy were encamped, and showing
him how he could bring up fresh
army, and so he might defeat the
enemy. About month after this back
came the soldiers, again riding through
the valley with the King at their head.
And this time their trumpets sounded,
not for war. but for gladness and peace;
for they had defeated the enemy in
a great battle. and now the war was
over. Again the shepherd-boy looked
at the brave soldiers riding through the
valley to the Kings castle. and again
he wished that he had been a soldier
able to do something to help the King.
But next day while he was sitting with
his faithful dog by his side. watching
his sheep, came Messenger from the
King, saying: You are to come a.
once to the kings palace"
The shepherd-boy assured the mes
senger there must be some mistake. but
he said there was no mistake, and would
not even give him time to put on his
clothes. When they came into the
castle hall. they found the King seated
on his throne. and around him all his
councillors, generals and officers. Pres
emily the trTmpeter blew a trumpet
and gave notice that. he had been
ordered to call out the names of all
those who had helped the King in the
war, and each man was to come up to
receive a reward. So the trumpet blew,
the names were called, and
both councillors and soldiers went up in
their fine robes 10 receive their re-
wards. AT last the trumpet blew and
the shepherd-boy's name was read out.
At first he did no: stir. feeling sure
there was some mistake, but those near
him said: 1.-The King is looking at you,
90 up"
So he went toward the King looking
very much perplexed and a little
ashamed.
But the King smiling at him. said:
Little friend. what reward must l give
you for the help you gave me in my
WARP"
''Sir." said the boy, Il deserve no re-
ward. for l have done nothing. am
only poor shepherd-boy keeping few
sheep in the valley yonder. and l could
not help you, though wished TO ever
so much"
But" said the King, uncovcring a
wicker cage, Il think YOU know this
bird; and are You not the brave boy
that leaped down at the risk of his life
to save the pigeon from the hawke
Il saved the pigeon, sir, that is
true"
.'Yes, and afterwards you were hon
est enough to let it fly again. instead
of keeping it. Now this pigeon brought
me news that helped me to gain the
victory. SO YOU see you helped with
out knowing it. Your reward shall be
this sword. and when YOU grow up
will make YOU Il captain in my army. y"
So the shcpherd-boy in time became
a soldier. and lived to be great Gen
eral, and before he died had gained
many battles, and done many brave
deeds TO help the King.
All children are like that shepherd
boy in the lonely valley. They have
little tasks and duties. and it seems as
if they could do nothing great for God
our King. But it is not so. for no one
knows whether what he is doing is
great or little. Very often an action
that seems very triiling. is really grca,
in Gods sight and He will reward
our good actions. 1t seems little
matter to be kind to brothers and sis
tiers, to be obedient to parents. and in
dustrious at lessons just as it seemed to
the shepherii-boy very little matter
TO watch o~er a few sheep. and to be
good and kind at home. But if he had
not always been honest and brave in
little things. he would not have been SC
when the pigeon came. and then he
would not have helped the King. And
so, if You are not good in little things.
YOU will find. when God sends YOU
some great thing to do, that you can
not be good in great things. There.
fore, whatever You do, whether alone
or with others, whether at work or al
play. remember that though you are q
child. you can do something to help
the Lord our King. You are helping
Him whenever you are doing what j:
right.-Rer. E. 4. Abbott, D. d., Ia
sPdra5les for Children.'
A Deed of Heroism.